The ultimate working man’s bass. This simple and timeless design stands up today as being the definitive “do it all” instrument for bass guitarists. Resplendent in original, unaltered candy apple red with authentic patina, this vintage original 1966 P is a seriously eye catching instrument.
In 1966 Fender were still using stores of high quality, light, resonant alder bodies, rigid maple necks, nitro finish and Brazilian rosewood fretboards. It was only some years after later that we started to see heavier instruments with thick poly coatings and some interesting new designs.
Strung up with flat wounds, this bass has a powerful and focused sound with excellent warmth and definition. The neck has a comfortable medium C profile and 7”1/4 fretboard radius. With a little relief in the neck the action sits at 3mm on the 12th fret. An older refret, there is plenty of life left in the medium jumbo frets and the rosewood fretboard is in good shape with virtually no finger indentations. At 4.1kg this bass well balanced with pleasing acoustic resonance.
There is very little damage to this instrument aside from finish wear. There are no substantial dings or any cracks in the body or neck. The bridge was swapped many years ago for a badass bass II. This required no modification to the body, as it uses the original mounting screw orientation. The pickguard has been replaced - possibly to conceal the finger rest screw holes. The output jack has also been replaced. The back of the neck has been professionally oversprayed some decades ago, likely at the time of its frets being replaced. The original bridge cover and pickup cover are long gone, as is often the case with basses that have seen regular use.
Other than whats mentioned, this instrument presents as original. One great sounding vintage P bass pickup with a resistance of 9.73k ohms, and fully functional original tone and volume pots with 1966 date stamps. Comes with original Fender hard shell case.
This is an exceptional bass that has appeal for collectors and professional musicians alike. And yes, it sounds as good as it looks!
